Unable, like many, to contain Joel Embiid in one-on-one, the Nets have chosen to systematically take two on the pivot of the Sixers, even far from the basket. On an individual level, the strategy was quite effective since the Cameroonian only took 15 shots, five less than his usual average.
The problem for Brooklyn is that the other Philadelphia players took full advantage of the “Anti-Embiid” game plan. Result ? A ton of open shots sanctioned by a 49% 3-point address from Doc Rivers’ men, allowing the Sixers to easily win Game 1 in front of their home crowd.
“I think we can even better sanction double-teams on Embiid” nevertheless believes Doc Rivers. “It’s true, we got the 3-pointers, but [lors de la séance vidéo], we showed players about six sequences where our spacing was not good and it was too late. We need to improve on this.”.
Not standing still when the Nets activate their two-man catches
Remember, however, that the Sixers scored 21 3-pointers, to set a new franchise record in the playoffs. The 13 3-pointers scored in the first half are also a franchise record. Yet Doc Rivers is not entirely satisfied.
” We have to move “ insisted Doc Rivers. “You know, when they move, you have to move too. We showed our players that there were times when the opposing players came to take two Embiid, and we stood still. You have to act when they move. It has to be instantaneous, and we were late. We were lucky a few times, and we got shots. But we have to do better”.
On the other hand, if they shone from long distance, the Sixers were clumsy near the basket. Again, Doc Rivers sees a movement problem here.
“Frankly, I think a lot of our 2-point shots should have been taken after the ball was in circulation rather than when stopped.” concluded the Sixers coach. “I think we will be better in this area”.
